Textile materials, weaves, traditional wear, and innovative textiles created by Filipino designers took center stage at the ASEAN Techno-Fashion Expo in Bohol as part of the 84th ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI).
The event was led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the DOST Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI).
ASEAN Textiles from ASEAN countries included Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, and Thailand. This endeavor brought together designers, scientists, and tech innovators to create a harmonious fusion of aesthetics and cutting-edge technology in textile and fashion. It highlighted DOST's commitment to promoting innovation in the Philippines and fostering creative collaborations.
Philippine textiles featured eco-friendly fashion solutions that use sustainable materials and production methods such as fibers from pineapple, banana, abaca, silk, and bamboo that align the country with global sustainability goals and promote responsible fashion practices.
Philippine Local brands that adopted DOST-PTRI technologies were also featured; BAYO Dyes, a homegrown brand that adopted DOST PTRI’s Natural Dyes technology, AIRE a brand that adopted technologies that convert the natural fibers into wearable yarns and is now available in the online retail market, the BAYO x SEDA Pilipinas collection of wearable pieces made of Philippine Silk, and the KatHABI Haute Culture Collection of handlooms weaving textile products made by Philippine indigenous communities.
Other ASEAN Member states also showcased traditional clothes such as Baju Melayu bergulambir for Brunei, Batik and Sarung for Indonesia, Kurta for Malaysian Indian men, Samfoo for Malaysian Chinese men, Chong Kraben for Thailand men, and Longyi for Myanmar which can be worn by both men and women. For female traditional clothes, Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia, featured Kebaya while Thailand featured Chut Thai.
DOST Secretary Solidum expressed his great enthusiasm for this groundbreaking event.
"The ASEAN Techno-Fashion Expo is a testament to the boundless creativity and potential that emerges when science, technology, innovation and the arts converge. It is a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and the limitless possibilities that exist in the intersection of these industries," he stated.
The ASEAN Techno-Fashion event not only promotes cross-border collaborations but also serves as a catalyst for exploring the potential of textiles in shaping the future of fashion and history.
The event was also graced by DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia, ASEAN COSTI Chair Mohammad Nazri Mohammad Yusof of Brunei, National COSTI Chairs of other ASEAN Member States, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to ASEAN, Ambassador Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, and UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Ambassador Sarah Tiffin.